The Mint's next mailing of U.S. Mint product brochures scheduled for January will be the first to be sans the traditional mail-order form and accompanying envelope.

According to U.S. Mint officials, mail-order forms still in circulation for current products will continue to be accepted through Sept. 30, 2016, for processing.

The Mint explained the reasoning behind the decision.

"The reality of the digital environment means that paper orders placed through the mail are increasingly not accepted as inventory is depleted quickly through online and telephone channels in real time," according to the U.S. Mint's Dec. 15 announcement. "This is especially true for high-demand products with limited mintages. By eliminating mail orders and encouraging all customers to shop online or by phone, the Mint will be offering more ordering consistency and eliminating those hard copy orders that take longer to receive, process and fulfill."

Informing customers

Mint customers are being notified of the changes through web notices, emails and letters, and in catalog mailings

All new catalogs and other marketing materials distributed in 2016 will not include a mail-order form. Materials will include information directing customers to place orders by calling 800-872-6468, by visiting the Mint website www.catalog.usmint.gov or shopping at the Mint sales center on the first floor of Mint headquarters at 801 9th Ave., NW, in Washington, D.C., and contracted sales centers at the Philadelphia and Denver Mints.

The Commission of Fine Artsâ recommendation for the Proof 2014 American Eagle platinum coin, left, brought outrage and derision at the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee meeting. The CCAC recommended the design to the right.

The Commission of Fine Artsâ recommendation for the Proof 2014 American Eagle platinum coin, left, brought outrage and derision at the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee meeting. The CCAC recommended the design to the right.

The Commission of Fine Artsâ recommendation for the Proof 2014 American Eagle platinum coin, left, brought outrage and derision at the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee meeting. The CCAC recommended the design to the right.

The Commission of Fine Artsâ recommendation for the Proof 2014 American Eagle platinum coin, left, brought outrage and derision at the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee meeting. The CCAC recommended the design to the right.

The Commission of Fine Artsâ recommendation for the Proof 2014 American Eagle platinum coin, left, brought outrage and derision at the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee meeting. The CCAC recommended the design to the right.